Analysts like potential of Terps QB recruit Shane Cockerille

The thought crossed Shane Cockerille’s mind just about every Saturday in November. If the Gilman quarterback was just one year older, it would be him instead of linebacker Shawn Petty under center for Maryland.

“Shane Cockerille isn’t the tallest quarterback, but he’s a gamer that comes from a great high school program,” said 247Sports.com analyst J.C. Shurburtt. “If it had gotten down to him last year instead of the linebacker, I think Maryland would have had a little bit different outcome in their season. I think he’s that type of guy that can step up in an adverse situation and perform well.”

A four-star prospect and the No. 16 dual-threat quarterback nationally according to ESPN.com, Cockerille rushed for 1,305 yards and 15 touchdowns, and threw for 1,106 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior in leading the Greyhounds to the MIAA A Conference championship.

An Elite 11 selection, Cockerille threw for 120 yards and one touchdown, in addition to rushing for another score, last night at the International Bowl in Austin, Texas. Cockerille guided the U.S. Under-19 National Team to a 42-10 victory over the International Federation of American Football.

With Brown, Hills and Rowe returning this fall, and the addition of former JUCO transfer Ricardo Young to the active roster, Maryland will have plenty of options at quarterback. But analysts agree that Cockerille looks like the Terps’ QB of the future.

“Cockerille is a tough kid, the kind you don’t want to tackle as a quarterback,” said Rivals.com’s Mike Farrell. “He’s very physical and strong. He could zip the ball around. He’s coming into a position where they have depth – it’s just all injured.”

Start with a 2-10 season, add an exodus of players, and then subtract two coordinators. What you would typically get from those undeniably negative ingredients is a football recruiting class ranked among the lowest of any BCS-level program in the country.

Maryland center Damonte Dodd went from barely playing as a freshman last season to becoming a starter and regular contributor for the first two months of his sophomore year to barely playing the past two games.